With Valentine’s Day around the corner, California’s Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) has
issued a reminder that metallic balloons pose a serious threat to people and
property if they come in contact with overhead power lines. Contact can disrupt
electrical service to an entire neighborhood and cause property damage and
result in serious injuries.
PG&E’s safety tips for metallic balloons:
- “Look Up and Live!” Use caution and avoid celebrating with metallic balloons near overhead electric lines.
- Make sure helium-filled metallic balloons are securely tied to a weight heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Never remove the weight.
- When possible, keep metallic balloons indoors. Never release them outside.
- Do not bundle metallic balloons together.
- Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, kite or toy that becomes caught in a power line. Leave it alone and immediately report the problem to the electric company.
- Never go near a power line that has fallen to the ground or is dangling in the air. Always assume downed electric lines are live. Stay far away, keep others away and immediately call 9-1-1.